Robin Williams: A Tribute

The struggles and successes of Robin Williams seem to mirror those of the Jewish people.

Robin Williams once likened his work to the daily jogs he took across the Golden Gate Bridge. There were times he would look over the edge, one side of him pulling back in fear, the other insisting he could fly.

When it was announced that Robin Williams took his own life on Monday, August 11, many stopped breathing just for a moment, hoping they had misheard. Tragically, they hadn’t.

Robin Williams had the magic of genius. And he had the chutzpah to use it. Sound familiar?

We’ve lost too many people, celebrities and non-celebrities alike, to depression, bi-polar or other disorders, along with the killer habits that “ease the pain” for a moment, then demand payback with a vengeance.

We mourn, we think “such a shame” or “so young” or “why didn’t they get help” or if they did, “why didn’t it work?”

In 1997 Williams was named funniest man alive by Entertainment Weekly. Perhaps more than any other performer, he resonated with each of us. He projected a humanity of spirit we loved, sought, and yes, personalized. The manic, unbridled little boy who was bullied as a chubby child, the wacky naïf, the hilarious stand-up, the serious actor, the risk taker – like Andy Kaufman without the outward anger – whose hero was another original, Jonathan Winters, saw doughnut holes instead of the doughnut and climbed through, unabashed. And with an aura of sadness amid the zany. It was fitting that in 1992, Johnny Carson chose Robin Williams and Bette Midler as his final guests.

Robin Williams had the magic of genius. And he had the chutzpah to use it. Sound familiar?

We Jews and Robin Williams

While he certainly portrayed Gentiles in the seminal Mork & Mindy, and films such as Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets' Society, The Fisher King, Mrs. Doubtfire, and finally took the Oscar in 1998 for Good Will Huntingprobably more than any other icon, the Episcopalian from Chicago was often taken for being Jewish. He himself, seemed to delight in describing himself as an “honorary Jew.”

Yes, he used Yiddish words, and did Yiddish shtick, including transforming into an elderly Jewish lady or a New York Rabbi. As early as Mork & Mindy, he futzed with Yiddishkeit, saying to Mindy (Pam Dawber), "He stole your necklace, he stole your ribs; he’s obviously not kosher"

He also played Jewish roles like a virtuoso which included, for example: 1999’s Jakob the Liar, Tommy Wilhelm, in the film adaptation of Saul Bellow’s Seize the Day (1986), the hilariously restrained Armand Goldman in 1996's The Birdcage and an hysterical scene in Mrs. Doubtfire where Harvey Fierstein, trying to turn Robin’s character into an elderly woman made him look more like an old Jewish man mit a cup of tea. The two broke into the chorus of “Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof. Just last February, on the set of his TV show The Crazy Ones, he tweeted a picture of himself wearing a yarmulke and saying "Too late for a career change? Rabbi Robin?"

While other non-landsmen have played Jewish roles Robin took on Yiddishkeit so seamlessly. He almost melded with Jews. There may have been deeper connections and similarities that bound Williams to us, and we, to him.

1. Difference and Passionate individualism, whether in laughter or tears.

Robin was the odd man-child out. No one thought, moved, or sounded like this wild, short, barrel-chested electric eccentric, who, like his hero Jonathan Winters may have had a sense of not quite fitting into a world where he thought crossing “I’s” and dotting “t’s” were a far more fascinating twist on life. Gentle, but impish and elfish, he evoked aspects of a humble Bart Simpson. Yes, Robin was a kind Tasmanian devil.

We Jews, throughout history have wandered throughout the world, looking, feeling, and being treated differently. Coming from exclusion we derived traditions and humor that is rich, complex, vibrant, quixotic, neurotic, contradictory, open-minded, and hysterical. Like Williams, we often laugh when it hurts, sob when we’re happy, and make jokes … when we’re running, from others or ourselves. And like Williams, we are antiauthoritarian, and often irreverent, defiant and unpredictable. Whether it involves creative reasoning, a special brand of savvy, sarcasm – or endurance – we have a unique perspective on just about everything – especially the joys and the oys which are inexorably tied.

In Good Morning, Vietnam, Williams plays an irreverent DJ, Adrian Cronauer who shakes things up on the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam. He and the censor have just had it out – again. The radio dialogue was improvisational:

Adrian Cronauer: [in control room] Good Morning, Vietnam! In Saigon today, according to official sources, nothing actually happened. One thing that didn't officially happen was a bomb didn't officially explode at 1430 hours, unofficially destroying Jimmy Wah's cafe. Three men were unofficially wounded, the fire department responded, which we believe to be unofficial at this present moment...

2. A Love of Wordplay

Whether Robin was growling from some deep source inside his soul, shouting like a kidnapped man who’d just had the mouth tape removed, fast and manic with the ability to imitate and mimic all manner of men, women, children, animals, real or imagined, he loved words. He loved playing with them: real ones, made-up ones (Na-nu, Na-nu), hyphenated non-words, strings of disjointed words. His verbal acuity and ear was a singular gift. Williams relied on the zany portrayal rather than the punchline.

We Jews are nothing if not in deep emotional love with language. In times of sadness, humor, anger or angry humor, we “express!” Our subjects are everything and the world is our anecdote. We can make a routine from the weather, the President, or the nudnik next door. Who knows – perhaps Robin had a Jewish ancestor who futzed with the word “yutz”.

3. Torment, Mood, Anxiety

Robin was open about his mental and emotional demons. Plagued with depressive disorders and substance abuse, while his genius wasn’t compromised, his life was. He was different. As a youngster he was bullied for being chubby, and would remain lonely, avoiding this tormentors, and trying out different voices to occupy himself. Eventually, he used laughter to gain respect from peers, yet in high school he was voted “least likely to succeed.” Said Williams in 1989: “You look at the world and see how scary it can be sometimes. Comedy can deal with the fear and … you can laugh and expunge the demon. That’s what I do when I do my act. You have an internal drive that says, ‘OK, you can do more.’ Maybe that’s what keeps you going.” Anecdotally, many comics and comedy writers will tell you "When the gods gift you with the kind of talent Robin had, there's a price to pay," said Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. "It comes from deep problems inside. A concern, all sorts of fears. I think that comes with the territory."

We Jews stereotypically are the poster children for anxiety, fear, worry, depression. If something can go wrong – anywhere – it can happen here, or to us. Certainly in America, our grandparents and parents were Professors of Pain. Are Jews and/or are the “creative” more depressed than others? The literature is contradictory with professors babbling among themselves sticking computer info into mechanical devices to uncover what is still largely a mystery at this, still the dawning of civilization. Yet our history, an eye blink in time, filled with inexplicable torture and humanity has provided substantive reasons.

Those interested in humor almost without exception feel it’s been our salvation. Our skepticism and kvetching about life and ourselves through jokes can be deprecating, self-deprecating, critical, or self-critical. It’s been suggested that as outsiders, better to give ourselves a zetz (punch) first. By jumping in, not only do we defuse pain, but come out with the edge. Our ability to use our comedic gifts as a testimony to our background, our will, and our strength. And, particularly during the Golden Age of Comedy, Jewish comics and writers set much of the groundwork for humor to come, we, too have had our share of struggling geniuses on a high with the sound of laughter, and in the depths when their fortunes, audiences, or mood changed. Many who have opened up about their struggles include: Woody Allen, Irving Berlin, Lenny Bruce, Rodney Dangerfield, Larry David, Richard Dreyfuss, Sheckey Greene, Golde Hawn, Danny Kaye, Larry King, Oscar Levant, Richard Lewis, Joan Rivers, Roseanne, Neil Simon, Sarah Silverman, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, Amy Winehouse, and Sid Caesar to name a few.

Allow me to conclude with a quote from Robin Williams in the film Jack:

“Please, don't worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day, make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular

People of all stripes, professions, and ethnicities struggle with these illnesses and abuse problems. I’ve noted that Robin Williams’ suicide has frightened many people, especially those who are depressed. Please don’t wait or suffer silently: If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please seek help.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Quirky, no-nonsense, funny, Marnie – writer, editor, author, lecturer, clinician, and administrator -- is a straight-shooter, who has a distinctive voice and takes on the world in her columns, features, and books. Her advice column was syndicated through Tribune Media Services, and it currently appears in Singular magazine as Singular Solutions. Marnie has written over 20 books/calendars, including the series “A Little Joy, A Little Oy." Her books include Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother and A Little Joy, A Little Oy (pub. AndrewsMcMeel). She is also an award-winning “calendar queen” having written over 20. She has been nominated for both an Emmy and Writers Guild award.Thefullwiki.org has listed Marnie Macauley on their list of top Jewish_American writers, dead or living. (She’s still deciding which.) She was also chosen as a Distinguished Woman in Las Vegas in March of 2014.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 15

(10)
Nettie,
September 8, 2014 12:58 PM

A Tribute to Marnie

I read all of Marnie's writings ,especially those on Aish.com. All have been interesting. Some better than others. Some written with humor, some historical info, some extremely clever and with understanding of human foibles.

The tribute to Joan Rivers is all that and more. Why? Because Marnie does not leave you with just a historical analysis of Williams' life.

She provides info for people with similar problems a source for help. That is why this is a Tribute to Marnie

(9)
Anonymous,
August 22, 2014 12:54 AM

my heart relly goes out to his fourteen year old daughter i cant even image. that age is hard enough may she be a shining star at the end of all this as well as thru it. G-d speed

(8)
Anonymous,
August 22, 2014 12:50 AM

a great tritube to a wonderful conmedian. he will be missed my best to his family,

(7)
Anonymous,
August 20, 2014 11:41 AM

This was a most moving tribute to a very gifted man. I do not always agree with what this author writes, and in fact I once argued with her about a particular essay she wrote. However, this essay made me feel as if she was writing about a friend. I once met Robin Williams a long time ago, and I am so sorry he took his own life.

Marnie, the author,
August 20, 2014 9:10 PM

thanks

Appreciate you taking time to write. And as for our debates, LET'S ROAR, IT'S THE SOUND OF LIFE.

Shalom with love,Marnie

(6)
Enoch Biafra Israel Mmaduabuchi,
August 20, 2014 12:58 AM

Sorry for the loss.

(5)
susan,
August 19, 2014 11:58 PM

Robin williams wont be forgotten

its a shame he didnt see the need for help and that he committed such an act. We will miss his zany comedic presence! May G*d have mercy on his soul , or at least take some mblamenfor his childs action and send him back!

Anonymous,
August 20, 2014 9:14 PM

INTERESTING

Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure it's a child's act.Children are filled with hope -- unless we and the world teach them differently; or there's an internal pain along with fear that is so great ... this horrible end seems the only path, which it is NOT. Shalom with love, Marnie

(4)
Ra'anan,
August 19, 2014 7:09 PM

Robin vs. Bette Midler...

That sadness in his eyes was always telltale. Funny, but Bette Midler's smiling eyes shine OVER the sadness. If we are here because it's the best thing for us, because it's from G-d, then, no matter how painful reality may seem, no matter how clever we can be, we have to get the Bette Midler smile. I wonder if that's why Johnny Carson had both Robin & Bette as his last guests, both deep cleverness & smiling, shining hope! You know, I saw that radiance in the Lubavitcher Rebbe z'l & in R. Shelomo Carlebach's smile as well. In most of Robin's scripts he was a healer, a fixer, coming to the rescue. So why the sadness? The original Jakob was no liar, he, like Rabbi 'Aqiva, could LAUGH in the face of seeming travesty.

(3)
Phil Peltz,
August 19, 2014 10:39 AM

Classic Marnie

What a beautiful, kind and moving tribute to a GR8 human being. Pity and heartbreaking...but Marnie, you said it all

Anonymous,
August 20, 2014 9:17 PM

THANKS PHIL

So appreciated!

Shalom with love,Marnie

(2)
Harvey Tobkes,
August 18, 2014 11:05 PM

Robin Williams' tribute

I was not a rabid fan of Robin, but judging from the tremendous outpouring of grief over his death by suicide, we see proof that he certainly loved bringing joy to many through humor, and people appreciated his multi talents as an entertainer. To me he was was the epitome of the sad clown.

I think the article was one of your best and nobody could ask for a better tribute or final eulogy.

Anonymous,
August 20, 2014 9:15 PM

Yes, the sad clown.

TONY NEWLEY wrote a song about just that.

THANKS Harvey!!

Shalom with love,Marnie

(1)
Nettie,
August 18, 2014 12:41 PM

Another Side of the Author

A very astute analysis of the person and the situations people face in life. This reveals the other serious side of Marnie who charms her audiences with her precious humor.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!